Popular searches

About Nesta

Nesta is a research and innovation foundation. We apply our deep expertise in applied methods to design, test and scale solutions to some of the biggest challenges of our time, working across the innovation lifecycle.

More about us

Supporting prison leavers into long-term employment

How to make good things happen: global lessons for UK policymakers
12 Feb 2026 18:00 – 19:15
Online and in person, Victoria Embankment EC4Y 0DS
Free
Register for the event

Supporting prison leavers into long-term employment - 12 Feb 2026 18:00 – 19:15

Register for the event

Join us for Nesta and BIT’s next instalment of: How to make good things happen, our event series that explores policy success stories from around the globe and draws learnings on how they can be applied in the UK.


Over the past three years, the proportion of prison leavers in employment within six months of release has more than doubled in England and Wales– rising from 14% in 2021 to over 30% in 2024. Stable employment offers individuals transitioning back into the community a proven path away from reoffending, while employers benefit from a broader recruitment pool, helping to fill vacancies, tackle skills shortages and boost productivity.

On Thursday 12 February, 18:00-19:15 GMT, we will explore the significant role prison employment and education initiatives have played in the growth of prison leavers sustaining work. Our expert panel will discuss how to strengthen delivery mechanisms within the prison system, drawing on learnings from delivering programmes such as employment hubs, prison employment leads, and employment councils.

The discussion will focus on the value of partnership working to connect prisons with local businesses, the critical link between skills development through prison education and long-term employment outcomes, and how we overcome systemic barriers to ensure prison leavers have a genuine second chance.

This hybrid event, taking place at 58 Victoria Embankment EC4Y 0DS is for policymakers, charities, academics and those working in education and employment policy and delivery within the prison system. There is also the option to join online for those who cannot make it in-person.

Register today to receive the event link, reminders and updates straight to your inbox.

Speakers

Ravi

Ravi Gurumurthy, Chief Executive, Nesta

He/Him

Ravi Gurumurthy is Group Chief Executive Officer, joining Nesta as Chief Executive in December 2019. Ravi was previously responsible for the International Rescue Committee’s work in designing, testing and scaling products and services for people affected by crisis in over 40 countries - from reducing acute malnutrition and intimate partner violence, to expanding employment for Syrian refugees. Prior to joining the International Rescue Committee in 2013, Ravi held a number of roles in the UK Government, including Director of Strategy at the UK’s Department of Energy and Climate Change and as a strategic advisor to the Foreign Secretary. Across many departments, Ravi led a number of major social and environmental reforms including the development of the world’s first legally-binding carbon emissions targets and the integration of children’s services. Ravi has also worked as a researcher at the think-tank Demos and in local government in London. Ravi writes a fortnightly substack on policy innovation.

jon

Jon Collins, Chief Executive, Prisoners’ Education Trust

Jon joined Prisoners’ Education Trust as Chief Executive in April 2021, having previously been chief executive of the Magistrates Association. Prior to that, Jon was chief executive of the Restorative Justice Council and he has previously worked at the Police Foundation, the Criminal Justice Alliance, the Fawcett Society and Nacro. Jon is a member of the Victims’ Commissioner Advisory Group and the Commission on Crime and Problem Gambling. He is also a governor of a London primary school.

Event information

12 Feb 2026 18:00 – 19:15
Free
Find out more
Register for the event

A powerful ecosystem for innovation

We extend our impact through two specialised units that help people and organisations to solve complex problems and achieve their goals.

BIT

BIT helps clients from government, nonprofits and the private sector to improve people’s lives through our empirical problem solving and deep understanding of human behaviour.

Challenge Works

Challenge Works designs and runs challenge prizes to spark innovation in science, technology and society.